Elsenburg College of Agriculture with its old history and beautiful buildings is well worth a visit. Join the Friends for this interesting outing. Elsenburg farm near Klapmuts is named after Samuel Elsevier, second-in-command to Governor Simon van der Stel. During the ten years Elsevier spent at Elsenburg, he built a simple house where his son continued to live until his death in 1709.

Martin Melck developed Elsenburg into one of the Cape's finest farms during the latter half of the 18th century. In 1761 he enlarged the homestead to a U-plan, giving it impressive gables and a fine front entrance. The outbuildings, together with the tall bell tower, also date back to the time of Martin Melck. Perhaps most interesting of all is the millstream, channelled between thick, wavy walls interspersed with piers of unusual design. In 1898 Elsenburg was acquired by the Victoria College (now the University of Stellenbosch) as an agricultural college.

Mr Willie van Zyl who was born and raised on the farm will be our guide and has plenty of history to share with us.

To secure your booking, please respond by email to samfriends@iziko.org.za

Date: 9 November 2018 10h00-13h00 

Members: R 80,00  Non-members: R100,00